I have never been a huge fan of new year’s resolutions.  To quote a Michael W. Smith song (I know I am dating myself with this one) often “the road of good intentions doesn’t lead to anywhere”.  I am convinced that most “re-solutions” are not solutions at all.  Because of this, they tend to be short-lived and ineffective.  I know, it seems that I am beginning the new year on such a positive note; a week late for “Bah-Humbug”!

Though I am not a fan of new year’s resolutions, I am a huge advocate of establishing annual goals.  Ever since my two boys were 5 and 3 we have taken time out on January 1st to talk about the previous year.   We discuss what we liked and what we disliked.  We review the previous years goals (we always write them down at this “meeting” and then check them off throughout the year as we accomplish them); and we set goals for the new year.  My boys love this time with their Dad, but most of all enjoy the pancakes and hot chocolate.

How about you?  Did you have goals for 2009?  Did you accomplish them?  What about 2010?  Life goes by so quickly; it is so easy to get caught up in just existing rather than purposefully accomplishing the things that matter most.  I would like to encourage you today – set some realistic, yet significant goals for this year.  Write them down, review them throughout the year, and then go out to breakfast with someone to talk about it January 1, 2011.  You may be surprised by how much God can do through you when you live a life of purpose!

I have to be honest, I completely blew it this morning.  While taking our family vehicle in for servicing, it happened. However, as “it” often happens, we do not realize “it” is happening until we have missed “it”.  As I left my vehicle at the dealership, I was faced with two options:  I could either take the shuttle back to my home, or call my good friend and co-worker to have him pick me up on his way in to work.  Without really even thinking, I called my buddy and was climbing into his car twenty-five minutes later.  That is when it hit me.

Why do we chose to take the safe and familiar paths when God is calling us to blaze new trails; sharing His love with those around us?  I had an incredible opportunity to meet someone new – perhaps someone who does not have a relationship with Jesus Christ.  I had the opportunity to carry on a fifteen minute conversation with a complete stranger, a potential open door for the gospel, and I blew it.  Instead I took the easy route and called my buddy.

Granted, my co-worker and I had a wonderful conversation as we traveled to my home.  We encouraged one another as we so often do; however, once again I missed the opportunity to invest the word of God and the life of Christ into someone searching for something more.

Please, don’t do what I did this morning.  The time is short; our lives are just a vapor, and we need to take every opportunity to reach out to this lost and broken world.  We must let our light shine before men, that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven.  They will never see our light if we hide it from them – if we fail to develop relationships with them – if we fail to take the shuttle.

“Never underestimate the power of a rivalry”.  These were the words I heard as my heart pounded in my chest; the one win Cleveland Browns had just triumphed over their nemesis – the Pittsburgh Steelers.  I must say, it got me thinking.

What is a rival?  Websters defines a rival as:  “a person who is competing for the same object or goal as another, or who tries to equal or outdo another; competitor”.  Another definition describes a rival as:  “a person or thing that is in a position to dispute another’s preeminence or superiority”.  How do we define our rivals?  The Bible tells us plainly that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, powers, the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places”.  Do we underestimate the power of our rivalry?

It is so easy to become lulled to sleep in the comfort and complacency of modern convenience.  To become apathetic about the world that surrounds, yet never seems to touch, our isolated lives.  To daily begin the game without truly understanding the strength of our enemy.

I believe that it is time to wake up!  It is time to understand that we face a real foe; he is likened to a “roaring lion seeking whom he may devour”, and is our greatest rival.  He is competing to be the god of our lives and to have preeminence over this world.  We must never make the mistake of underestimating exactly how powerful, cleaver, and subtle he is.  We must live obedient lives with the discernment and wisdom that only comes from God, escaping the snares of our adversary the devil.  Then, and only then will we find victory in this life!